The Vermillion Cliffs

Just after crossing the Marble Canyon bridge we came close to the remarkable red cliffs which rise to the west of Marble Canyon. I was surprised to find this great beauty in an area which I expected to be boring dry desert. There had been a recent rain shower, and the green vegetation which was there almost glowed green.

This was on the 200 mile loop around to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. August 8, 1982.

House Under Vermillion Cliffs

Mark and Jeff stand beside a little stone structure with the cliffs towering over them. We have no idea what the structure was since it had no signs or anything on it. This was about our closest approach to the cliffs. August 8, 1982.

Green Vegetation and Vermillion Cliffs

Just after crossing the Marble Canyon bridge we came close to the remarkable red cliffs which rise to the west of Marble Canyon. As we crossed the desert region we came through this remarkable area which had had a recent shower. The brilliant green of the foliage was amazing. Those plants make efficient use of the rare showers they get. The green was a remarkable contrast to the red cliffs. August 8, 1982.

Desert and Distant Vermillion Cliffs

At this point past the Marble Canyon, we could look across the desert to the Vermillion Cliffs. August 8, 1982.

50 Mile Vista to Vermillion Cliffs

We crossed the desert region from the Marble Canyon in view of the remarkable Vermillion Cliffs. At this point we are climbing steeply out of the plain and get this view of the vast plain and the cliffs in the distance. Scaling from the roadmap, this may be a view of 50 miles across the desert. At mid right there is a cluster of houses along the road which you can just make out. With my eye I could see an 18-wheeler moving along that road like a distant ant. The vastness of things out here and the clarity of the air is exhilirating. This was on the 200 mile loop around to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. August 8, 1982.

Across Marble Canyon

back to Marble Canyon to the North Rim